Kai Havertz on brink of Arsenal transfer as Gunners near agreement with Chelsea

Arsenal are on the brink of completing the signing of Kai Havertz from Chelsea.

The Gunners saw an opening offer rejected last week but have returned with an improved bid, closer to Chelsea's £65million asking price.

Personal terms have already been agreed and the Germany international is likely to complete a medical imminently ahead of a move he has given the green light to following talks with Mikel Arteta.

The Arsenal boss is keen to expand his attacking options and Havertz's ability to play in a number of different roles appeals to the Spaniard.

That said, Havertz, who joined Chelsea from Bayer Leverkusen three years ago, made 47 appearances last season, scoring nine goals, predominantly as a centre forward.

Chelsea are making intense efforts to trim their squad before new manager Mauricio Pochettino officially begins work as the club's new manager.

To that end, N'Golo Kante will join Saudi club Al-Ittihad when his Chelsea contract expires at the end of June, the club has confirmed.

The 32-year-old midfielder joined from Leicester in 2016 and has won the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup during his time at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley told the club website: 'N'Golo's impact and influence during his time at Chelsea cannot be overstated. His tireless performances in midfield contributed to several trophy wins and has guaranteed him a place in the club's history.

'We wish him well as he embarks on the next chapter in his career."

Kante becomes the first major departure since Pochettino was confirmed as the club's new manager, with a reduction in size of a bloated first-team squad amongst the Argentinean's priorities.

Kante, who won the World Cup with France in Russia in 2018, becomes the latest in a succession of high-profile names to move to the Saudi Professional League.
His international team-mate Karim Benzema has already agreed to join Al-Ittihad after 14 seasons at Real Madrid, following Cristiano Ronaldo who moved to Al Nassr from Manchester United in December.

Wolves captain Ruben Neves has reportedly agreed a £47million move to Al Hilal with an announcement expected from the club this week.

At 26 he will be the youngest big name to leave a European club for Saudi Arabia.
Chelsea outcasts Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy, Romelu Lukaku and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have also been linked with moves to the Gulf state.